Category: Album Reviews 2020

An Autumn For Crippled Children – All Fell Silent, Everything Went Quiet

We don’t know much about the elusive trio An Autumn For Crippled Children but for over a decade they have been developing an intriguing atmospheric black metal formula that today thrives within the bleak soundscapes of the new album “All Fell Silent, Everything Went Quiet”.

“I Became You” opens the album with fragile melodic progressions and melancholic guitar tonalities surrounded by the moody synths that constantly amplify the shoegaze inspiration and the tormented feelings. 

“Water’s Edge” is filled with luminous guitar harmonies flowing freely through delicate multilayered atmospheric waves creating spaced out rhythmic crescendos in contrast with the extreme metal style of the mysterious growls. 

On “Paths” the shoegaze flair generates dreamy melodic tapestries and subtle rhythmic patterns that naturally evoke melancholia but also a pale sense of hopefulness through the comforting vibes of the intricate atmospheric arrangements. 

The slower passages of the title track naturally emphasize the gloomy essence of the synths and the reassuring tonalities of the vivid guitar melodies but the charismatic rhythmic section will eventually create more energetic and darker dynamics.  

While the otherworldly melodic soul of “The Failing Senses” continues to focus on ethereal atmospheric textures and celestial harmonies, guitars can acquire harsh tonalities to properly channel a primal black metal inspiration. 

With the release of  “All Fell Silent, Everything Went Quiet” An Autumn For Crippled Children embark on an emotional sonic journey that spontaneously leads to a distinct blend of magical melodies and obscure nuances. 

Vuur & Zijde / Impavida – Vuur & Zijde / Impavida

New black metal trio Vuur & Zijde and anonymous band Impavida join forces to create mysterious and nihilistic soundscapes on a new split album that will give them a chance to introduce themselves in the underground metal scene. 

Vuur & Zijde recorded these tracks in a remote yurt on the Frisian shoreside and their first offering on this album is “Zonnestorm” which begins with a mystical chant before entering a proper blackened sonic realm with steady tremolo picking and gloomy atmospheric waves. 

“Noordzee” continues to amplify a transcendental darkness combining bewitching melodic phrases and ethereal vocals flowing through a hazy atmospheric maze. 

The last track by Vuur & Zijde “Zilt” certainly holds a raw blackened essence but also focuses on the creation of shimmering guitar melodies to evoke a profound nostalgia emphasized by the dreamy atmospheric arrangements. 

Impavida’s first track “Gram” unleashes a mystifying black metal formula with fast riffage and tormented screams that inevitably generate a bleak soundscape significantly amplified by somber melodic segments. 

The final track “Wahn & Stille” revolves around slower cascading melodies and monochromatic guitar tonalities that will often embrace faster dissonant dynamics marching through the murky atmosphere that naturally emphasizes an impenetrable darkness.  

In terms of music style both Vuur & Zijde and Impavida confidently follow a rather obscure sonic pathway fueled by a lugubrious black metal inspiration and enriched by enigmatic atmospheres. 

Kult Of The Skull God – The Great Magini

Army Of The Universe’s vocalist Lord Kalidon and guitarist Davide Tavecchia joined by drummer Joey Amato begin a new exciting music journey with the band Kult Of The Skull God and inspired by the glorious days of hard rock they unleash the incendiary debut full length “The Great Magini”. 

“Black Magick” can sound a bit mysterious but definitely has a straightforward hard rock mood that naturally leads to catchy rhythmic patterns and an addictive chorus with sharp riffage enriched by the outpouring charisma of the vocals. 

“Liar” is full of memorable hooks following a blazing true rock ‘n roll pathway with smooth guitar progressions and a slightly darkened flair that quickly becomes irresistible and highlights Lord Kalidon’s versatile vocal delivery. 

The mood becomes increasingly darker on “The Oath” with some haunting atmospheric textures and wicked vocals nevertheless the band still manages to maintain a widely accessible approach with powerful guitar driven grooves. 

“Lost And Lonely Ones” channels an alluring gothic rock essence and Lord Kalidon’s seductive baritone vocals are destined to steal the spotlight flourishing through the captivating & addictive rhythmic crescendos. 

The title track features another explosive rhythmic core as guitar riffs effortlessly ensure a magnetic groovy momentum and the sultry gothic feel is still very present influencing the melodic tonalities and the intense vocal harmonies. 

“Vultures” has its monumental groovy moments but immediately stands out for the vibrant evocative melodies that naturally create hypnotic rhythmic segments emphasizing the melancholic feelings and the absolutely passionate vocal performance. 

You will be inevitably compelled to join the Kult Of The Skull God as the debut release “The Great Magini” holds a glamorous rock energy and confidently creates massive groovy dynamics that make you feel good.  

Die Kreatur – Panoptikum

Oomph! frontman Dero Goi and Lord Of The Lost’s mastermind Chris Harms are already renowned for their charismatic talent and now they joined forces on the new project Die Kreatur which showcases a catchy gothic flair on the debut full length “Panoptikum”.

The eponymous track “Die Kreatur” symbolizes the band’s sonic manifesto with an audacious and absolutely explosive blend of gothic rock and Neue Deutsche Härte fueled by abrasive guitar riffs, addictive electro arrangements and ominous vocals. 

“Kälter Als Der Tod” conveys a seductive darkness with the enthralling goth nuances of the rich atmospheric layers and the melodic phrases while the bold guitar riffs will trigger some groovy dynamics leading to a memorable chorus. 

“Unzertrennlich” relies on a cool mix of eerie atmospheric arrangements and dancey electro beats generating a smooth & quite accessible rhythmic ensemble naturally enhanced by the bewitching vocal delivery. 

“Untergang” has a faster rhythmic core favoring some aggressive industrial vibes within the gritty guitar work that this time tends to focus on a galloping riffage embellished by the moody atmospheric synths. 

The dance floor vibes of “Mensch/Maschine” are immediately evident as the synths take control mixing vivid electro beats and shimmering atmospheric layers and while maintaining a rather darkened aura the rhythm gets you ready for a goth party. 

“Benutz Mich” often sounds super groovy with a stomping rhythmic section filled with sharp guitar riffs and powerful vocals yet there is a soothing melodic essence that naturally leads to haunting atmospheric moments. 

“Gott Verdammt” features fervent rhythmic blasts so guitars maintain distorted tonalities to deliver heavier riffs while the finale will surprise you with emotive choirs flowing through peaceful atmospheric waves. 

Undoubtedly the strength of “Panoptikum” comes from the experience and songwriting skills of Die Kreatur as they already have developed a darkly alluring sonic formula that is destined to capture your attention. 

Voodoo Gods – The Divinity Of Blood

Featuring vocalist George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher, guitar virtuoso Viktor Smolski, bass titan Jean Baudin, drummer Alex Voodoo and guitar god Jacek Hiro, death metal supergroup Voodoo Gods is ready to unleash the inflamed sophomore album “The Divinity Of Blood” characterized by a striking technical approach and solid thrash/death metal roots. 

“Isa” goes straight to an aggressive assault that emphasizes the extreme metal dynamics with abrasive guitar riffs and cavernous growls while the fiery guitar leads are always ready to showcase prowess and sonic diversity. 

“Rise Of The Antichrist” tends to channel the classic vibes of thrash metal building monumental grooves as the tight rhythmic blasts demand increasing speed and amplify the essential role of the wicked bass lines.  

There is a mournful mood on “From Necromancy to Paraphilia” as guitars focus also on darkened melodic progressions besides the generous dosage of belligerent riffs while the elaborate acoustic phrases add delightful exotic nuances followed by extensive virtuoso style solo. 

The complex composition of “The Divinity Of Blood – From Darkness To Light” leads to sharp malevolent rhythmic patterns yet the slower tempo variations highlight a dramatic depth enhanced by the mysterious aura of the guitar phrases.  

“The Ritual Of Thorn” relies on colossal guitar driven grooves courtesy of the monolithic rhythmic section and the killer riffage that will successfully induce constant headbanging yet there is space for some fascinating somber melodic progressions and impeccable shredding. 

“The Absolute Necessity To Kill” offers loads of thrilling guitar leads that continue to showcase a superb musicianship and enrich the main savage rhythmic onslaught with intense shredding and stylish neoclassical variations. 

The strength of “The Divinity Of Blood” certainly comes from the talent of the musicians involved in Voodoo Gods so you can expect all kinds of massive hostile grooves and charismatic guitar work. 

Shrapnel – Palace For The Insane

Britain’s thrashers Shrapnel are on a mission to carry the torch for classic thrash metal unleashing a massive dosage of unrestrained guitar driven grooves on the new full length “Palace For The Insane”.

The atmospheric intro of “Might Of Cygnus” evokes a darkened tranquility with compelling melodic progressions yet the mood changes significantly when an inflamed rhythmic rampage generates super groovy thrash dynamics often spiced up by the charismatic guitar phrases and the skillful shredding. 

“Vultures Circle” offers a straightforward rhythmic assault characterized by a familiar ‘80s thrash formula that demands extra sharp guitar riffs and colossal drum blasts accompanied by fierce screams and killer guitar progressions. 

“Cannibal” showcases a no frills aggressive approach so the relentless rhythmic section and the hostile vocal delivery are always fueled by an ominous energy leading to raging guitar riffs and excellent solos. 

On the elaborate track “Begin Again” the gloomy atmospheric waves evoke deeply nostalgic feelings that favor slower contemplative moments as well as fiery guitar progressions and wild soloing that allow the band to truly show a remarkable musicianship. 

“Violent Now, Forever” is all about timeless old school thrash metal providing a generous dosage of untamed rhythmic patterns that once again highlight the crucial role of the fast ravenous riffage and the intriguing guitar leads. 

“Future Sight” gradually builds a rhythmic tension as the guitar work spontaneously shifts from venomous riffs to calm melancholic phrases and the resulting contrasting tonalities add variety to the main sonic pathway. 

The title track returns to merciless rhythmic patterns constantly channeling the heaviest aspects of thrash metal as the guitar riffs diligently follow a faster menacing tempo amplified by the malevolent screams and enriched by the striking acrobatics of the solo. 

The headbanging galore is mandatory listening to the savage grooves of “Palace For The Insane” and Shrapnel certainly prove that thrash metal still holds an essential status within the modern metal scene. 

ForgottenTomb – Nihilistic Estrangement

Longstanding Italian band Forgotten Tomb begins a new chapter of doom & misanthropy on the tenth studio album “Nihilistic Estrangement” which was recorded using vintage analogue techniques to create charismatic timeless soundscapes. 

On “Active Shooter” there is an insanely addictive melody that is destined to spellbind you since the first listening while the ominous growls and the inflamed rhythmic section channel blackened nuances that will embrace an exquisite melancholic essence through the bewitching guitar melodies. 

“Distrust3 “ offers some catchy black ‘n roll dynamics with an overload of galloping sharp guitar riffs and thunderous drumming yet the mournful doom influence is still present within the slower hypnotizing melodic progressions and the gelid tonalities. 

The title track stands out for the enthralling melodic crescendos that become the main focus in order to fully express a grave emotional whirlwind through the darkened allure of the guitar phrases that naturally lead to a gorgeous dreamy finale.  

On “RBMK” the recurring haunting melodic guitars evoke a decadent gothic flair carefully mixed with more aggressive blackened roots that generate imposing obscure vibes and faster rhythmic dynamics. 

As a perennial darkness lingers throughout “Nihilistic Estrangement” Forgotten Tomb successfully depict an introverted sonic realm with a memorable blend of lugubrious doom patterns and venomous black metal inspiration. 

Sojourner – Premonitions

Atmospheric metal band Sojourner has the chance to conquer a wider audience with the kaleidoscopic music style and the lavish darkened soundscapes of the third full length “Premonitions”. 

“The Monolith” introduces a darkly alluring sonic realm with enchanting piano melodies accompanied by soulful vocals but soon the rhythmic section will embrace a significantly heavier gothic tinged pathway embellished by harmonious folk nuances. 

“Eulogy For The Lost” emphasizes a melodic grandeur with loads of sorrowful guitar melodies flowing gently through the lush folkish atmospheric waves that intensify the inner melancholia while at times the main rhythmic patterns and the obscure growls can still channel a subtle extreme metal inspiration. 

“Fatal Frame” conveys pure tranquility with graceful flute & piano in contrast with the heavier rhythmic core fueled by a primal force that spontaneously generates massive ominous grooves while the multilayered keyboards and the gloomy guitar phrases create a mesmerizing melodic realm. 

“Atonement” will inevitably melt your cold heart with poignant piano melodies and profoundly melancholic guitar tonalities flourishing through the glowing rhythmic crescendos and the contrasting emotions here are further expressed by the mix of ethereal vocals and tormented growls. 

“The Event Horizon” embodies all the elements and feelings that characterize the whole album as the charismatic grim guitar progressions continue to convey a wistful melodic grandeur amplified by the classical dreamy piano and the mysterious atmospheric ensemble. 

All the tracks on “Premonitions” have the ability to move the listeners as Sojourner confidently focus on a captivating melodic essence that allows them to genuinely express a multitude of vivid emotions. 

Winterfylleth – The Reckoning Dawn

Uk black metal masters Winterfylleth this time return to their majestic heavy roots skillfully blending pure blackened fury and poignant emotions on the new full length “The Reckoning Dawn”.  

The harsh nature of “Misdeeds Of Faith” becomes immediately palpable as the cold guitar riffs guide you through a desolate soundscape and while the rhythmic section confidently unleashes an overdose of ravenous blasts the solemn chanting amplifies the epic vibes. 

Within a stark sonic realm “A Hostile Fate (The Wayfarer Pt. 4)” continues to follow a fiery blackened pathway with monumental rhythmic patterns yet at times the slightly slower tempo highlights the striking melodic guitar phrases to convey a poetic melancholia. 

“Absolved In Fire” spellbinds the listeners with the magical folk nuances of acoustic passages and violins but gradually the instrumental ensemble will return to major aggressive blackened grooves full of gelid galloping guitar riffs and malevolent growls. 

The title track goes straight to a hostile rhythmic rampage with the perfect dosage of obscure tonalities and punishing drums that inevitably create a dreary sonic realm yet guitars will eventually focus on a passionate melodic grandeur with slower elegant phrases. 

“In Darkness Begotten” features a menacing blackened formula channeling an imposing darkness through relentless guitar riffs and wintry atmospheric waves that leave you breathless while the cathartic finale fully embraces an enchanting melodic flair with the fragile beauty of violins.  

Besides the ominous blackened onslaught “The Reckoning Dawn” holds an understated atmospheric folk essence as Winterfylleth are always ready to embrace diverse tonalities and express contrasting emotions. 

…And Oceans – Cosmic World Mother

In the Scandinavian black metal scene …And Oceans are renowned for their compelling symphonic style and after seventeen years they are finally back with a revamped line-up including talented vocalist Mathias Lillmåns of Finntroll and an ex novo energy embodied by the new full length “Cosmic World Mother”. 

“The Dissolution Of Mind And Matter” marks a majestic beginning fully manifesting a bewitching darkened formula that revolves around the exquisite symphonic tapestries and the obscure guitar tonalities in fact the instrumental ensemble effortlessly shifts from unrestrained black metal dynamics to gelid melodic waves. 

The blackened assault of “Vigilance And Atrophy” is carefully built by sharp guitar riffs and thunderous drumming accompanied by fierce growls and enriched by the intricate epic arrangements that tend to enhance the dramatic depth and the presence of mournful melodies. 

“As The After Becomes The Before” begins with an opulent combo of refined atmospheric layers and melancholic guitar phrases that will maintain a shimmering melodic essence throughout the song even if the rhythmic ensemble will become darker & heavier with galloping riffage and ominous growls. 

The magical atmosphere of the title track introduces a blistering blackened rhythmic rampage certainly amplified by the ravenous screams so darkness continues to prevail through the icy melodic accents of the guitar work while the kaleidoscopic keyboards increase the sonic diversity with artsy electronic textures. 

“Helminthiasis” opens with aptly cosmic atmospheric waves that evoke somber feelings and adorn the bleak soundscape while the precise rhythmic section is always ready to unleash blackened grooves with an overload of scorching guitar riffs. 

The darkly enchanting atmospheric arrangements of the grandiose final track “The Flickering Lights” guide you through a lavish melancholic realm that focuses mainly on the fascinating melodic guitar work and the consequent grim emotions flourishing through the monumental rhythmic crescendos.  

Despite the long hiatus …And Oceans are destined to garner attention with the darkly alluring songwriting and the arcane atmospheres of the brand new effort “Cosmic World Mother” which feels like the perfect way to celebrate their comeback.